Breast Cancer Risk in America - Essay Example

Breast Cancer Risk Lecturer Breast Cancer Risk There are about 232,570 new cases of invasive breast cancer in America according to the American Cancer Society. The society further estimates that there will be approximately 62,570 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of breast cancer. Carcinoma in situ is the earliest form of breast cancer. It is non-invasive. There are about 40,000 deaths resulting from breast cancer in America. The American Cancer Society indicates that other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in America. It is also the second most form of cancer leading to death in women after the lung cancer in America. According to the latest medical review by the society (January 2014), one in eight women will have invasive breast cancer in her life. However, the chances of a woman dying from breast cancer are one out of 36 women. The rate of breast cancer deaths has been going down in America. The society attributes this to screening and finding the breast cancer as early as possible, and the availability of better treatment. Dramatic improvements in breast cancer research and awareness of the condition also contribute to the dramatic reduction of breast cancer deaths in America (Grunfeld, Hodgson & Giudice, 2010). Finally, the American Cancer Society indicates that there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in America. The society relentlessly pursues answers and treatment that will save as many lives from the breast cancer menace in America. Breast cancer research breakthrough is the most major and important achievement of this society in America. According to Panageas et al., (2012), the popular idea of breast cancer risk is age. The risk of women developing breast cancer increases, as she gets older. The American Breast Cancer Division of the American Cancer Society indicates that this is the strongest risk factor for women developing breast cancer. On the other side, the scientific evidence of breast cancer risk indicates that women in specific age groups have increased chances developing the condition. These age groups are; Generic changes (alterations) Mammographic breast density Family history Personal breast cancer history Breast changes on biopsy Radiation therapy Alcohol Menstrual and reproductive history Prolonged use of menopause hormone therapy Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Body weight Physical activity level and race Scientific evidence of breast cancer risk indicates that women who inherit changes in certain genes (BRCA 1 and BRCA2) greatly, increase the risk of developing breast cancer. As such, women who carry the changes in these genes have a very high risk of developing breast cancer as well. This is a great concern because it represents ten percent of all breast cancer cases in America. Rojas & Russo (2005) adds that the connective tissue and the milk producing tissue of the breast appear white on a mammogram and, therefore, dense. Research indicates that women with a high percentage of breast tissue that is seen as being dense when placed on a mammogram have a high risk of developing breast cancer. Younger women have denser breasts as compared to older ones; hence, their risk of developing breast cancer is very low. These scientific researches are in contrast with the popular ideas of breast cancer risk in America. Although this research is not conclusive yet, scientists indicate that there is a link in the use of deodorants or underarm antiperspirants, and the following risk of developing breast cancer. They suggest that underarm antiperspirants increase the risk of breast cancer. This is because these products contain some harmful substances that are absorbed in the body through the skin. More of concern is that some ingredients in underarm antiperspirants relate to breast cancer, as they are applied to areas near the breast, thus, increasing the risk of developing breast cancer. However, the National Cancer Institute researchers are yet to conclude their evidence concerning underarm antiperspirants, and the risk of developing breast cancer. On the other side, the popular ideas suggest that abortion and miscarriage increases the risk of breast cancer. Ideologists suggest that the hormonal changes in a woman all through her life for different reasons increase the risk of developing breast cancer. A large part of the changes takes place during pregnancy. These changes influence a woman’s risk of potential breast cancer at the later stages of her life. On the part of science, miscarriage and abortion does not whatsoever increase the risk of having breast cancer in women. The scientific evidence, from some studies, points out that spontaneous and induced abortions do not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Other scientific evidences point otherwise to these findings. The main subject in this is the changes in hormonal during pregnancy, miscarriage and abortion. According to scientific evidence, it is not possible to trace back breast cancer to any one object. It recognizes that direct causes, single causes, the multiple and the interacting factors influence the risk of developing breast cancer. Among the factors that scientists suggest to increase the risk of breast cancer are exposure to radiation, chemicals acting like hormones and carcinogens. In this mixture, a woman’s genes, reproductive history, diet and lifestyle may dictate the risk of developing breast cancer. These are the compound web of breast cancer causation according to the scientific evidence. There have been current controversies over the costs and benefits of population surveillance for the medical management of breast cancer risk. Some reports indicate that there is little benefit from the population surveillance of breast cancer. According to a research that sought to monitor breast cancer survivors, and that aimed at minimizing harm resulting from the illness and maximizing the benefits, population surveillance may be doing more harm than good. The report by Keating et al., (2007) indicates that patients go to screening centers thinking they are doing good by having extra tests, but the reality is that the next thing they realize is that they are having extra biopsies. Han, Klabunde &Noone (2013) highlights the potential consequences of exposing patients to radiation. He asserts that radiation exposure make patients susceptible to breast cancer. Other costs involved are diagnosis, screening confirmation, the initial treatment and advanced care and follow up costs. On the other hand, population surveillance is likely to improve a patient’s survival. Women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer are offered more frequent and comprehensive surveillance; hence, they gain maximum benefits by optimizing resources. The benefits of population surveillance for medical management of breast cancer risk give hope of living to patients. In addition, the appropriate and necessary actions are put in place to prevent women from developing breast cancer. Although some researchers argue that it is more harm than good, the benefits of population surveillance for the medical management of breast cancer risk outweigh the costs and harms. It is, therefore, recommended that every woman in America go for breast cancer screening. In adding to the benefits, regular screening or population surveillance for the medical management of breast cancer risk reduces the chances of dying. It detects the breast cancer early, after which the necessary medication and treatment is provided. This reduces the chances of dying as compared to the option of not using the population surveillance (Gail et al., 2007). On the other side, overtreatment and over diagnosis activates the cancerous tissues. Some cancerous tumors and precursors develop very slowly. They sometimes do not develop to real cancer cells. It is virtually impossible to tell the difference between harmless and dangerous cell changes, thus, all of them are treated. The population surveillance, therefore, results into treatment of many women for breast cancer diseases that they do not have, and that they will not get in the future. This is an extra cost (Saslow et al., 2007). Implementation of Mass Screening Policy in the US The implementation of mass screening policy in America remains stable for the past decade. However, screening rates remains to be low for some groups. This is because of persistent health disparities in the United States. As such, the elimination of the health disparities, safe and community environments, empowering people, community and preventive services can improve mass screening policy in the United States. The mass screening policy in America points the value of case management and a direct outreach, support interventions for patient centered care models, popular based and organized approaches for identifying eligible women for breast cancer screening, encouraging participation and monitoring the results. the implementation of the mass screening policy in America is different from other advanced industrial societies. As Brenner & Hall (2007) underpins, the mass screening policy provides for tests to identify and detect breast cancer at a very early stage; before a woman realizes a lump. Most women participate in the screening process despite some of them feeling uncomfortable with the screening process. The mass screening policy allows women to take part in the screening process of their own free will. It is not mandatory or obligatory in America for a person to go for breast cancer screening. Nevertheless, the American government has made huge investments in cancer research and treatment (Smith-Bindman et al., 2009). As such, mass screening is available in all hospitals. The Strongest Advocates for Current Practice and their Motivation The American Association of Cancer Research is one of the strongest advocates for the current practice. Their motivation is that they have been able to reduce the mortality rate emanating from breast cancer. They have also been able to reduce the causative agents of breast cancer. Another advocate is Komen advocacy, started by Susan G. Komen. This advocacy program is a voice to over 2.9 million survivors of breast cancer. The fight against the menace of breast cancer has motivated them to help many patients. Another major advocate is the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). They provide opportunities for reduction of disparities in breast cancer. They are also involved in the prevention and early detection and treatment of breast cancer. The network works towards ensuring that the uninsured and underinsured women get a right to receive breast cancer screening, as well as follow up treatment and care. This has been their greatest motivation. Other advocacy groups include Prevent Cancer, Alderwomen, Breast Cancer Action and African American Women in Touch. These advocates are encouraged by the fact that they are able to help many patients and women with potential risks of developing breast cancer to get care and treatment and in turn save their lives. The millions of survivors in America are the very best indication of the various groups efforts to stem breast cancer. Scientific research carries substantial evidence that the modern consumer is in a better position to judge the merits of treatments of the pre-modern society. Through research, there has been reduction of death from breast cancer from one in ten women to 1 in 36 women. The chances and risks of dying from breast cancer have reduced by a third. This is due to modern medical care. The modern care tests has allowed for the early detection of breast cancer, and in turn ensured early treatment for detected cases. References Brenner, D. J, & Hall, E. J, (2007). Computed tomography--an increasing source of radiation exposure. N Engl J Med. ;357:2277-2284. Gail, M. H., Costantino, J. P., Pee, D., Bondy, M., Newman, L., Selvan, M. & Bernstein, L. (2007). Projecting individualized absolute invasive breast cancer risk in African American women. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 99(23), 1782-1792. Grunfeld, E, Hodgson, D. C, & Del Giudice, M. E, (2010). 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Smith-Bindman, R, Lipson, J, & Marcus, R, (2009). Radiation dose associated with common computed tomography examinations and the associated lifetime attributable risk of cancer. Arch Intern Med.; 169:2078-2086. Read More